In the Entertainment world it is fairly evident many executives attend to keep a low profile because of the high demand of sort out talent. However, that is not the case with SRC /Universal Records executive Steve Rifkind which is the reason why entertainer AKON is a household name. I was very impressed by this recent video interview posted March 9, 2011, where he speaks about the music industry declining. This video has definitely allowed many viewers to get an inside scoop on the thoughts of the people behind the music and responsible for celebrities careers. Executive Steve Rifkind mentioned so many eye openers in this interview that I was encouraged to blog about it, as its influential stance has great substance.
In this interview he discusses why the music industry is currently suffering? and What does his future hold as an executive in the music industry?
According to Steve Rifkind "We are in a dieing business right now, we are in the fight of our lives, and I dont blame anybody but the music business for being as fucked up as it is right now and motherfuckers have to begin to take responsilbilty for all the downloading and stealing music including myself." The music industry is suffering because of the music industry, he believes the lack of artist development, a quick dollar, and along with Napster has took the music industry a huge turn for the worst. For example, when Akon came out with several hit records every top A&R began to reach out to Akon to produce a hit record. Therefore, this kind of behavior led the music industry to go with something they are sure they will benefit from instead of developing new producers, artist etc. This kind of behavior from people in the music industry showed their fear of change. In their minds as A&R's why go and develop new artist when we have a guaranteed hit record by a relevant artist? which in return gives them a quick dollar. The key of continuing to be successful in the music industry is artist development and not releasing records until you know you have a hit record. For Example, Steve Rifkind first records ever released was Akon "Smack That", David Banner and Fat Joe "Lean Back." These records had great success because they were hit records that were ready to be released, there was no pressure of a quick dollar. However, this kind of decision making within the music industry is not considered to be longevity decisions, it is decisions for right now. Although, the quick dollar may feel good at that current time, for example, it may not feel good over a period of time as the music industry begins to get hit with companies such as Napster. Along with the decline in the music industry, the company Napster began to emerge, where there is now free music downloading. This lead us back to Steve Rifkind quote about the music industry fighting for their lives right now. With the lack of artist development, an importance of a quick dollar, and Napster Steve Rifkind says "Its about longevity for me, and continuing to look for the next best thing."
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Posted by: AlLindstromCom
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